Resources for people who are new to DC

[stvnrlly]

What are some things that people need to know when they move to DC? Where can they find information about those things?

Post in this thread with suggestions for inclusion in a DC orientation guide. This is primarily focused on essentials—how to get around, how to set up services—but should also include some fun, as well.

[ntuifranklin]

Anyone new to DC needs to have access to handy tools regarding safety, well being, transportation, food , hospital, hotels, restaurants, bars, lounges etc. When someone is new to DC, the first thing they need is a phone. Where are the closest phone companies att, verizon, t mobile etc. Depending on their budget, they may want to go with the cheapest options available like go-phones, or metro pcs, boost etc. Then the next thing they may want to know is the closest restaurant around wherever they are. How to call a cab in case they don't have an uber/lyft etc account. Also they may want to have access to hotels around them, ranging from cheapest to most expensive. Same for restaurants. Once they can have access to basic necessity, they can be proposed attraction sites like museums, tourist sites in downtown etc

[ntuifranklin]

So I will say the first milestone will be to have in a database the following :

• Phone companies that can be ordered by prices, or affordability
• Hotels
• Restaurant
• bars
• clubs
• Taxi cabs companies The next milestone will be to have users be able to signup for app/website/retrieve password/login though phone etc. The next milestone will be to make a dashboard that shows the different available menus. Menus will need to be completely plug-able. Someone not interested in clubs/bars may unplug or deactivate the corresponding modules.

[epfrankle]

One of the best examples I've seen of what this could be was shared at this year's IA Summit. Honolulu Answers had topics, research, and answers sourced from the community during a meetup after the structure was built. Could we build the shell and host a similar community brainstorm/write day to work with other DCers to flesh it out?

[daphnewrites]

Here are some ideas:

• Including a social services section/database/webpage (á la https://www.auntbertha.com/ or United Way)
• A repository linking to each Chamber of Commerce located in D.C.
• Include an interactive map of neighborhoods/sections of D.C. and adding pins for landmarks, restaurants, etc...
• Guides for Hospitals/Public Transportation/Other Transportation options (summaries if companies like Uber are not in use, for example, or other popular ride sharing apps)
• Calendar of festivals, other important events